A Christmas Giving Tree

Posted by dvpalatine, Community Contributor

The Residents at St. Joseph's Home in Palatine created a 'Giving Tree' that will be taken to the ER at St. Alexius Hospital on Dec. 10 at 1PM. Kids visiting the ER during the Christmas Season can pick a toy or book from the tree.

The Residents at St. Joseph's Home in Palatine created a 'Giving Tree' that will be taken to the ER at St. Alexius Hospital on Dec. 10 at 1PM. Kids visiting the ER during the Christmas Season can pick a toy or book from the tree. (Posted by dvpalatine, Community Contributor)

Community Contributor dvpalatine

In 1984 Dr. John Schugt, an Emergency Room Physician in southern California, decided to purchase a Christmas tree that he saw was filled with children's toys and books. He wanted every child who visited the Emergency Room during the Christmas Season to be able to take something from the tree home with them. For 32 years, he carried on that tradition.

Dr. Schugt and his wife, Marge were good friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Dr. Schugt passed away in 2016. In his memory, Marge has helped the Residents at St. Joseph's Home in Palatine to create a similar tree, packed with toys and books. This 'Giving Tree' will be delivered to the Emergency Room at AMITA Health St. Alexius in Hoffman Estate. In carrying on Dr. Schugt's tradition, the Residents hope that each child who visits the Emergency Room during the Christmas Season will be comforted.

The elderly Residents at St. Joseph's Home are often the recipients of kindness and support of generous people; but the Residents also greatly enjoy doing acts of kindness and helping others as much as they can. This gift is the Resident's way of giving back and spreading the love and goodwill of the Christmas Season.

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